If a Windows app runs slowly or will not start on a Snapdragon laptop, first update Windows and the app, then check whether its publisher offers a native Arm64 version. If the app or a connected device depends on a driver, confirm that an Arm64 driver is available: Windows app emulation cannot supply a missing driver. These checks help separate an Arm-compatibility issue from a problem with one app or the laptop generally.
First, pin down what is failing
Before changing settings, record the details a publisher or support technician will need:
- The app name and version.
- Your Windows version and build.
- The laptop model or Snapdragon generation.
- The full error message, if one appears.
- Whether the issue affects one app, several apps, a connected device, or the whole laptop.
If the whole device is slow, that is different from one app failing; the information available here cannot diagnose a particular laptop or app without those specifics.
Update Windows and the app
Install available Windows updates, then update the affected app. Microsoft recommends checking Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates for Surface Arm devices; the same Windows Update path is the place to check for Windows updates on Windows 11 generally.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- DISPLAY: 14-inch FHD+ screen with 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) resolution delivers crisp, clear visuals for work and entertainment.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Snapdragon X processor with Qualcomm Adreno GPU and 16GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking and efficient computing for Copilot+ PC capabilities.
- AMPLE STORAGE: 512GB SSD provides fast boot times, quick file access, and generous space for documents, media, and applications.
- OPERATING SYSTEM: Pre-installed Windows 11 Home offers the latest features, enhanced security, and intuitive user interface.
- WARRANTY INCLUDED: Comes with 1-year manufacturer warranty covering both parts and labor for peace of mind with your purchase.
- Microsoft Store app: Open Microsoft Store and check for app updates.
- App installed from elsewhere: Check the publisher’s site for a newer release and its Windows on Arm compatibility guidance.
For a malfunctioning app, Microsoft also recommends updating device drivers through Windows Update. For a printer on a Surface Arm device, some manufacturer installers may not support Arm; Microsoft says adding the printer through Windows Settings may be an alternative. That printer setup option is not a general way to improve app speed.
Check for a native Arm64 version
Look on the app publisher’s download page for a version explicitly supported on Windows on Arm. A publisher may offer multiple installers, so do not assume an x64 download is the best choice for a Snapdragon laptop. Microsoft says, “Apps rebuilt for Windows Arm-based PCs have the best performance.” Its Windows Arm-based PCs FAQ lists native versions of Microsoft 365 apps and other common apps, but availability can change; confirm the current version with the publisher.
Rank #2
- Step Up to Next-Level Performance - Redefine your laptop experience with the Acer Aspire 16 AI. Powered by the Snapdragon X X1-26-100, a premium integrated GPU with up to 1.7 TFLOPs and NPU with 45 TOPs for optimized processing across CPU, GPU, and NPU workloads and delivering best-in-class performance and power efficiency.
- New AI Superpowers - Discover the power of Recall (preview), improved Windows search, and Click to Do (preview) on Copilot+ PCs. Effortlessly locate past content, perform natural searches, and interact with text and images – all while ensuring your data remains private and you stay productive*.
- Built on Brilliant AI Foundations - The Acer Aspire 16 AI harnesses the industry-leading Qualcomm AI Engine with an integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, delivering transformative experiences for creativity, video conferencing, security, and productivity assistants. The Qualcomm AI Engine supports Windows Studio Effects and many other AI-accelerated applications and experiences, to make possibilities endless.
- Screens that Speak to Your Senses - Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant visuals. Enjoy stunning clarity, rich 100% sRGB colors, and sharp detail on the 16" 120Hz WUXGA ultra-high-resolution touchscreen display – acting as a panoramic playground for entertainment, artistic expression, and engaging AI experiences that dazzle the eye.
- Streamline Your Settings with AcerSense - Intelligent Acer AI solutions are at your fingertips. Effortlessly get answers, streamline settings, optimize your video presence, and elevate communication. Experience intuitive AI that’s easy to use and seamlessly enhances your productivity.
If you cannot find a clear answer, Microsoft points users to Works on Windows on Arm, an open-source compatibility list to which Microsoft contributes data. Treat it as a reference and verify support for your particular app version with its publisher.
Understand the difference between app emulation and driver support
Most Windows apps can run on Windows 11 Arm PCs, but that does not guarantee every app or every component will work. Windows 11 version 24H2 includes Prism emulation for apps not built for Arm. Emulation can allow an app to run, but it does not create an Arm64 driver that the app or a device needs.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- THE SMARTER CHOICE FOR MOBILITY – Get projects done on a device with the most capable AI platform available with the expansive 15" WUXGA 16:10 display that brings all-day battery life, and a durable metal chassis.
- ELEVATED VISUAL DISPLAY – The 15.3" 16:10 display brings elevated visuals and more screen space for work and play. Vivid colors, deep blacks, and sharp contrast make every detail shine, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or creating.
- YOUR PC, YOUR PRIVACY –The physical webcam shutter lets you stay in control of who’s watching and a fingerprint reader offers faster, safer logins. Plus, the Enhanced Security Suite adds extra protection to keep your data private and your PC secure.
- PREMIUM DURABILITY – The IdeaPad Slim 3x is built with a premium-grade metal chassis that offers supreme durability from military-grade MIL-STD 810H tests. It delivers strong, dependable performance with a premium design. Ready for whatever, wherever.
- BUILT FOR AI – Powered by a 45 TOPS NPU, this AI-driven Copilot+ PC crushes multitasking, smooths video calls, and lasts all day.
Drivers are a separate compatibility boundary: drivers for hardware, games, and apps must be designed for Windows on Arm. If an app will not start, a peripheral is not recognized, or a feature is missing, ask the app publisher or device manufacturer whether the exact app version and required driver are supported on Windows 11 Arm.
Microsoft identifies some categories with known limitations, including games that rely on unsupported anti-cheat drivers, some customization and assistive apps, some third-party antivirus, and Windows Fax and Scan. These examples are not a blanket verdict on every app in those categories; check the specific publisher’s or manufacturer’s guidance.
Rank #4
- 2K OLED DISPLAY - Experience rich colors and crisp visuals for your everyday productivity with an OLED display, 1920x1200 resolution, and up to 300 nits of brightness
- SNAPDRAGON X X1-26-100 PROCESSOR - Perfect for on-the-go productivity, this processor delivers essential performance, AI capabilities, and long-lasting battery life; Stay efficient and connected all day, every day
- ENJOY UP TO 41 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES OF BATTERY LIFE - HP Fast Charge restores battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes
- Qualcomm Adreno GPU - Experience high performance graphics and rich user experiences while optimizing power consumption; Elevate your mobile UI, games and advanced graphics applications with fast responsiveness and superior mobile connectivity
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 256 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD offers fast speed and efficient storage; and 16 GB LPDDR5x RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
Run the built-in compatibility troubleshooter
If no app update is available, Microsoft’s older-app guidance recommends trying Program Compatibility Troubleshooter:
- Open Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and select Run.
- Follow the prompts and test the app with the suggested settings.
This may help with some legacy-app problems, but it is not a substitute for an Arm64 driver. Microsoft’s instructions are in Make older apps or programs compatible with the latest version of Windows.
When a driver appears to be blocked
If a device or driver-dependent app fails, check with its developer for a Windows on Arm driver before changing security settings. If you need to determine whether Windows Driver Policy is involved, Microsoft documents checking Event Viewer at Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > CodeIntegrity > Operational. In the policy process, event 3076 indicates an audited driver and event 3077 a blocked driver. Do not disable driver security as a routine compatibility fix; use the event information to discuss support with the app or device maker.
Choose the next step based on the likely cause
| What you find | Best next step |
|---|---|
| An update is available for Windows or the app | Install it, then test the app again. |
| The publisher offers a Windows on Arm or Arm64 build | Install the publisher-supported native build and compare its behavior with the version you were using. |
| The app or a connected device depends on a driver | Ask the app publisher or device manufacturer whether an Arm64 driver supports your exact app, device, and Windows version. |
| The app is an older program with no update, and there is no known driver dependency | Try Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and follow its prompts. |
| Updates, a supported build, and driver checks do not resolve it | Contact the publisher or manufacturer with the details listed below. |
Escalate with the details that make support useful
When contacting the app publisher or laptop or peripheral manufacturer, provide the app name and version, Windows version/build, device model or Snapdragon generation, exact error text, and whether you can reproduce the failure. Microsoft’s FAQ points developers—not consumers troubleshooting a single app—to App Assure for application compatibility support.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
